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.------Philosophers and Paupers------. Police Find $90,000 on Starving Beggar - News item Remember Those Diamond Fillings? You probably read that news story, or one like it. An obvious "character," this man who has a fortune and yet deprives himself even of food, you might have commented. True; yet behind that story is a priceless lesson for all of us - an idea so fruitful that it could - and, in By WALTER RUDOLPH some cases, should - change our whole way of life. That panhandler is the psychotically exaggerated image of all of us. He, like many pro­ fessional men, is suffering from the philosopher's disease -living only in a non-existent future. We'll wager not many dentists practIcmg to­ with diamonds. According to Dr. Goucher, this In one way or another, we are forfeiting the enjoyment of living in the present - postponing day remember the use of diamonds as material dentist was a boxing enthusiast who was avidly our lives, as it were, until some ideal time in t he vague future when we hope to live, all at one time, in the kind of way we dream about. for filling teeth. Dr. William Goucher of James­ following the career of the picturesque pugilist. The fatal fallacy of this approach is that it ignores the present, yet only the present 1S town, N. Y., one of the oldest practicing dentists His offer was made shortly after Ruby Robert real- this hour, this minute, this very second. We cannot hoard one one-thousandth of a in the country, has reason to recall, vividly, the soundly whipped Jim Corbett and won the world second. We must live this moment - or forego it forever. days when this ornamental but impractical mode heavyweight title at Carson City, Nevada. Are we, like the beggar, foolishly depriving ourselves of a fuller, happier and more satis­ of capping a cavity became a minor "rage." "Because he won heavily on that fight," said fying life? Think of simple things - books, the theatre, sports, week-ends, friends, hobbies, a "It was during the last decade of the nine­ Dr. Goucher, "this dentist wanted to show his car, a boat, a house, travel. teenth century," Dr. Goucher recalled, smiling. appreciation of Bob's physical prowess. There­ Don't delay - live today. Get that house, develop that garden, buy that boat. Live as fully and as fruitfully as you can. You can't postpone living - you can only let life pass you by. No "My contact with the diamond-filling practice fore he asked the fighter to accept the diamonds J man has a claim on tomorrow. Happy and useful lives are built on the rich resources of the as a gift, and further offered to put the diamonds was rather oblique, but interesting and enlighten­ human spirit, and on nothing else. That is why no human being is really a pauper. ing. Old Bob Fitzsimmons, the fighting Cornish­ in Fitzsimmons' teeth. Fitz was glad to accept man, was the central figure of the occasion. I've and became very proud of the unique fillings, always been interested in boxing and its person­ showing them off on every possible occasion. But alities, and this interest brought me face to face his happiness was short-lived. Contents with Bob, and his diamond fillings." In fact, anyone who indulged himself and his But before Dr. Goucher concluded his experi­ vanity with the impracticable diamond-filling fad Feature Author Page ence with the long-remembered pugilist and, as soon came to regret it. Diamonds could not THOSE FUTURE PATIENTS J. W. Gordon, D.D.S. 2 it developed, Fitzsimmons' painful molars, Dr. readily be placed in teeth in such a manner as Goucher went back a few years further in retro­ to produce a grinding or tearing surface compati­ THE DENTIST TO HIS LOVE Edna Miller, D.M.D. S · spect. He told of how the foolish fad had its ble with other teeth. MAC McCall 6 beginning. DOCTOR, YOU NEED A VACATION Diamond Jim Diamond Toothaches THE GAY NINETIES 7

Old-timers might recall, he commented, that Most diamond fillings were made in molars. THE CAUSES OF FAILURE IN MAKING during the 1880's and 1890's society thought The diamond's hard and usually sharp surface AND WEARING DENTURES Morris Gruenebaum, D .D .S. 8 figures in the public eye should be as ornate and became an abrasive against opposing teeth in the Harriet Geithmann 10 as flashy as their pocketbooks might allow. Per­ unfortunate patient's mouth. Diamond-studded THE DOUGHTY SOURDOUGH haps the most outstanding example of such con­ teeth developed cavities and, of course, decay. ADVANTAGES OF AN EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Arthur H. Levine, D.D.S. 12 spicuousness was the famed Diamond Jim Brady. New toothaches occurred and misery followed. This fabulous personality was never seen in pub­ Mae Benner 13 "Fitzsimmons began to complain of toothaches I'LL TELL - AFTER HE WORKS ON ME lic without having his clothes and fingers loaded soon after the fillings 1(Idorned his teeth," Dr. down with jewelry of all kinds, particularly DENTIST M. RUSSELL STEIN - TOOTHPICK Goucher continued. "Then, in 1898, while he was diamonds. ENGINEER Joseph George Strack 14 making personal appearances with a traveling Diamond-studded rings, neck-pieces, bracelets, show, he came to Jamestown. I made myself REMEMBER THOSE DIAMOND FILLINGS? Walter Rudolph 16 tie pins, watch fobs and what-have-you were con­ known to him as a fan of his, and we had some sidered the latest word in personal adornment. nice talks together. One day he told me he was This might be the reason for the tooth diamond­ getting tired of the pains in his teeth, and asked filling fad - this was the ultimate, it seems, in the me if I could do something about it." TIC Magazine is published monthly by TICONIUM, 413 N. Pearl St., Albany I, N .Y . show-offish possibilities open to those ' who had Annual subscription, $2.50. Copyright, 1948, by TICONIUM. Dr. Goucher could and did - he replaced the the wherewithal to own such expensive personal diamond fillings with more substantial and prac­ Opinions expressed by contributors to TIC Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views embellishments. tical ones. Fitz was happy about the whole thing, of the publishers. and their friendship flourished. Cover artist, John Schuster. Bob Fitzsimmons "It's been so long ago," smiled Dr. Goucher, Thus it came about that Bob Fitzsimmons was "that I don't even remember how we disposed of Printed in the U.S.A. by New England Printing and Lithographing Company, Inc. highly flattered when an Indiana dentist of that those diamonds. But I'll never forget how glad Editor - JOSEPH STRACK period offered to decorate the fighter's molars Bob was to get them out of his mouth!"

Page Sixteen May, 1948 TIC TIC May, )948

Happy at a Hobby that University's dental school in 1927. For the Those Future Patients following seven years he held a similar post at the Columbia University College of Dentistry. By J. W. GORDON, D.D.S. In 1937 he became lecturer in anthropology at Columbia, a position he occupied until 1941, EDITOR'S NOTE: TIC believes this article is one of the best pieces of humorous dental litera­ when he became research associate in anthro­ ture produced thus far this year. Dr. Gordon undoubtedly had a lot of fun writing it, and TIC's pology. He is also technical and research consult­ readers surely will have much fun reading it. Lest some reader miss the courage and the con­ structiveness of the humor, and wonder about TIC and Dr. Gordon, we hereby assure him ant for Universal Dental Company. He designed that TIC and Dr. Gordon remain stalwart advocates of dentistry for children. Dr. Gordon and carved Verichrome Five Phase Anteriors has had great professional success with children as patients and has found priceless satisfaction and recarved the French Posteriors. He was the in having one generation fater another corne to him for dental work. originator of the Co-ordinate Size System.

My nurse checked over the appointments "Are the lights adjusted properly so the sooth­ A Formula for Fun for the day with a reflective gaze in her eyes. ing colors will be highlighted?" I asked. To dentists looking for a hobby he says: "One "Well," she observed, "this must be Children's "Yes, Doctor." of the common urges of child and adult is to Day. Six of the little darlings. Three from one "The toys sterilized and arranged in pleasing Author of three-score articles and monographs build, to construct, to do something with one's family." array?" dealing with science, Dr. Stein has lectured be­ hands. All of us want to escape 'nerves'. A hobby fore more than 100 scientific societies through­ A' nasty little bell started ringing in my "Yes, Doctor." that offers opportunities to satisfy both of these out the United States. brain. "Not the three Wilsons," I groaned, men­ "The new picture books opened at favorite goals is a healthful, constructive, and relaxing tally watching the lab work I had planned on stories?" pursuit. Pickbuilding offers you these opportuni­ National Pickbuilder Club doing fly out the window. "Yes, Doctor." ties. But, whether or not it is pickbuilding, you "The same," she said gaily, "and please, "The projector ready to throw the new films on Dr. Stein is one hobbyist, however, who is wel­ should get yourself a hobby if you haven't got Doctor, control your language this time." the ceiling?" come at home! His pretty wife is one of the most one. Man cannot live happily by work alone. enthusiastic, and talented, of his army of pick­ Play is a 'must' in any sensible, civilized way of Drat the girl anyway. She had no respect "Yes, Doctor." "The Ducky Darling furniture polished and builders. She not only helps him "to use tooth­ life. Remember this: the harder you work, the ror my professional dignity. I knew she had arranged to induce harmony and good will?" picks as an engineer uses steel," she's tops at it more you should play. Get yourself a box of reference to the last visit of the Wilsons. One "Yes, Doctor." herself. She did much to organize the National toothpicks and a tube of glue. I'll be glad to of the boys, Junior, a great lump of a boy, had "Then we are ready for the three Wilsons," I Pickbuilder Club, and assists the world's No. 1 show you how." an abscessed tooth. He screamed and struggled said. Pickbuilder to keep that extraordinary organiza­ so much I couldn't even get any medicine on it, "And God help us," Nurse Jones added, still tion clicking progressively. The Steins are proud­ The World's No. 1 Pickbuilder so I advised the anxious parents to take him busily putting away bottles. est of their magnificent seven-foot-three-inch downtown and have the tooth out under gas. model of the Eiffel Tower, accurately constructed I will deny to my dying day that what I I Am Prepared to scale-to the amazement of professional en­ actually said was: "Yes, if he were my boy I'd But nothing she could say would shake my gineers-with 30,000 flat toothpicks. This superb take him downtown and have him gassed." Nurse self-confidence. I looked back with scorn on the monument to hobbying was exhibited at the New Jones insists that the wish was father to the old fuddy duddy who thought he could treat York World's Fair in 1940 in Bob (Believe-it-or­ thought. children as mere children. What horrid memories not) Ripley's Odditorium. I smiled knowingly to myself now as I I evoked of the previous trips the Wilsons had Anyone can join the National Pickbuilder watched her getting things out of the way in made to this office before C-Day (Changeover Club, Inc. Life membership costs one dollar and preparation for the impending visit from the Day) But no, I mustn't think those thoughts. . a half. Members receive a bronze button or pin, Wilsons. She was muttering darkly about kids They were darn nice kids and would some day a membership card, publications issued by the with octopus blood in their veins. In spite of my be my Future Patients and bring their chil­ club, and catalogues of the latest plans and denial, I had a nagging fear that I might have dren .... models that Dr. Stein works out for them. They said or done something to insult my young pa­ "Miss Jones," I asked, managing to hide the are also entitled to a discount on all plans and tients. And I knew that would never do because quaver in my voice, "if three people had three materials endorsed and distributed by the club. the children of today would be my patients of children each, how many would they have?" Ardent advocate of the toothpick building hobby, tomorrow. , "Nine," she said promptly and smugly, "only Dr. Stein makes it possible for children to adopt Today, however, I was a different man, for I it would seem like more." the pursuit by issuing simplified instructions for had studied up on child psychology and I had I looked at her reflectively. She was a good them. Adults receive full-size diagrams. The decorated and equipped my office to appeal to nurse but if, after all, she was going to be a mind Steins operate the club from 157 West - 57th my Future Patients. I sighed regretfully over the reader- Street, New York City. They live at the same loss of my comfortable chairs but, after all, I "Pardon me," she said, "but your clenched address. didn't have to stay in the reception room. teeth are showing. Relax. Everything is going to Dr. Stein was instructor in dental anatomy at From my great storehouse of wisdom I now be fine since you boned up on child psychology. New York University from 1927 through 1928, checked over a few things with Nurse Jones. You said so." a post he accepted following his graduation from

Page Two Page Fifteen May, 1948 TIC TIC May, 1948

Junior climbed up into the chair. "I can take ~ For Relaxation it, Pal," he muttered, "You won't see me cry." "Turn on the pictures," I hastily directed DENTIST M. RUSSELL STEIN - TOOTHPICK ENGINEER Nurse Jones. "Junior has several teeth that need By JOSEPH GEORGE STRACK filling and he can forget all about the-discom­ fort-while he's being entertained. Lean back, Junior, and keep your eyes on the ceiling." Young Mike Stein had always wanted an cessful execution of this hobby requires resources Everything had progressed smoothly until I Erector set when he was a boy. But all his letters and talents that demand respect." started preparing the third cavity. Then the boy to Santa Claus went unanswered. It seems that Dr. Stein himself is one of .the best examples let out a yell that brought his mother to his side. Mike's parents couldn't buy such an expensive of the intelligent practitioner of the pickbuilding "I'm sorry, Junior," I said hastily, "I didn't building set. art. Recently Dental Survey said: "Dr. M. Russell realize that tooth was so sensitive." The heartache deprivation he suffered as a Stein whose researches in dental anatomy appear He looked at me scornfully, "You can't hurt little boy led to one of the most unique hobbies _ frequently in Dental Survey, is nothing if not me. It's that picture-corniest thing I ever saw!" in the world today. A hobby, by the way, that is versatile. A dentist by profession, a teacher of , I am thankful to report that Nurse Jones so inexpensive no poor boy need be denied its anthropology at Columbia by occupation, Dr. I I didn't make any pertinent remarks. More or less fun and fascination. For little Mike turned to Stein is, one might almost say, an engineer by , calmly, I finished Junior's filling. toothpicks and glue, and invented toothpick avocation. Nimble, artistic fingers and engineer­ Freddie climbed into the chair, grabbing the building. Today M. Russell Stein, dentist, an­ ing skill combine to make a hobby for this den­ water syringe in one hand and the air syringe in thropologist and amateur engineer, is founder, tist that is most unusuaL" He is a member of the the other. "Bang! Bang! Bang!" he shouted, al­ president and design-engineer of the National American Association of Physical Anthropolo­ ternately squirting water and air in the direction Pickbuilder Club. The organization has some gists, American Anthropological Association, of my already moist eyeglasses. 2,000 members all over the world, ranging in American Association for the Advancement of Hot words crowded to my lips until I remem­ age from five to 70-odd years. Science, International Association for Dental /llf you'll give me a signed statement saying bered my child psychology. I offered the little Dr. Stein duplicates in toothpick-miniature Research, New York Academy of Sciences, suffered excruci~ting pain, I won't have to yell begga,r other choice items as per directions. the world's outstanding engineering accomplish­ American Dental Association and Sigma Psi. loud enough for the fellows downstairs to hear "Naw," he said, rejecting the mirror, my foun­ ments. These include authentic models of towers, me." tain pen, and a jar of cotton rolls in turn, "I want bridges, ferris wheels, windmills, swings, der­ II these." to the amazement of professional ricks, cranes, houses, furniture and just about "Very well," I said, "Nurse Jones, get me an­ engineers .. . /1 everything else. He makes up blueprints and in­ "Why sure," I said, "what makes you think other set of syringes." struction manuals of these projects and sends I'm nervous? You'll see. That child psychology them out to members of the club. stuff will payoff." The door chimes sounded, followed by three How to Do It - and Why blood-curdling yells. I looked at Nurse Jones. She looked at me Dr. Stein says of the unusual hobby he origi­ with slightly crossed eyes, her fingers being oc­ nated and promoted: "Anyone with toothpicks, cupied with instruments at the time. glue, a penknife, small pliers, patience, and a "Bring Freddie in first. He's the baby and I T2IT/',1:30 steady hand can become a good pickbuilder with don't want him to get nervous," I directed in my a little practice. The hobby is followed by young new self-assured manner. and old, professionals and laborers, men and To my horror the whole kit and caboodle came women. in as usual. "The books-the games-the puz­ "I believe it is an ideal hobby because it in­ zles-" I called out wildly. "Mary and Junior­ volves imagination and skill; it leads to tangible, you wait in the reception room and-and look at practical achievements; and-perhaps mote im­ all the nice things for children." portant than anything else-it is utterly different from anything one does in everyday life. A hobby "A-a-ah," Junior bellowed in ten-year-old deri­ -sion, "that's the bunk, Doc. I'd rather watch should involve doing things that are not normally you." done. It is this newness of activity, this change from the commonplace, and this freshness of ap­ "Besides," Mary shrilled in her piercing, six­ proach that tend to relax us by focusing our at­ year-old treble, "I want comic books. There tention and efforts on totally novel objectives. ain't any Dick Tracy comics there. Those old Thus the pressures of everyday life are eased as fairy tales stink." we turn away from them. At first a newcomer to "And I'm not going to be first," Freddie pick building may regard it as child's play. But screamed, swinging hard little fists into my legs. /ITo make a long story short, cancel my appoint­ after some experience, he soon learns that suc- "I want to see Junior cry." ment to have a tooth pulled./I

Page Fourteen Page Three May, 1948 TIC TIC May, 1948

Simultaneously she made a slurping sound Before she could adjust her mood to mine, a Increasing Society Dues vantages that keep the members on their toes with her mouth and a significant motion with her shrill whinny came from behind me. "Stampede! Experience shows, however, that it is good and permit them to point to their society with hand across her throat. Nurse Jones definitely Stampede!" Junior yelled. Freddie joined his practice, wherever possible, to increase the dues pride. isn't the motherly type. brother as they raced through the office. Mary so that a skilled secretary can be employed. Selecting a Secretary started to climb down but Nurse Jones sternly Southern California has provided an outstand­ The selection of the secretary will, to a large I Am Attacked commanded: "Whoa, there! I'll use my whip if ing example of a well-run society. The state dues degree, depend on local factors. A wide choice is Determined to be brave to the bitter end, I I have to." are high, $37 a year. The most common dues, not always available. Size of salary and nature pried Freddie's mouth open to the accompani­ I examined Mary's teeth while she kept her nationally, are $6 a year. The fact that Southern of advancement will playa part. Some feel that ment of banal blandishments. This time I did eyes rolled in my direction. The expression was California, with a large membership, has high the secretary should be a man. Others do not. the yelling, my finger being crushed to the bone sadly reminiscent of a mean little pony I once dues indicates that the majority of the members Some feel that it is better to have a dentist who between Freddie's sturdy molars. He held on had. have learned that it is good business to pay a is willing to give up his practice for the sake of with fiendish glee while his mother looked up The boys had quieted down again, and I little more and have top-notch administration. the new job. Others consider it more advisable to from her reading. She "tarted to laugh. "I knew thought that everything would eventually work Massachusetts has learned the same lesson. So select a layman with a good business back­ he'd do that," she said between paroxysms of out all right. has Michigan, California State, Washington and ground. These are questions that the executive laughter. "He showed me that funny cartoon of Mrs. Wilson sat swinging a well clad foot and others. board of each society must ponder. the little boy biting the dentist. It was too funny. reading her movie book. "Mary has beautiful Raising the dues in order to provide for a full­ Dr. Hillenbrand, speaking before a conference Oh, Doctor, your expression-! Oh dear-!" teeth," I said to her. Mrs. Wilson looked up with time executive secretary is not always easy, par­ of state society officers, once stressed the neces­ Her laughter was cut short by a startled yelp a hazy smile and I saw the magazine was open ticularly when the only compensating advantage sity of "improvement of the individual dental from Freddie. My finger was miraculously re­ at an article on Clark Gable. "Really?" she mur­ to offer a membership is something as intangible society's relation to the public by making them mured, "I'm so glad." Then she added, "I don't l eased~and Nurse Jones was fastening a pin as better administration. But, as so many state more effective units of social, cultural, and pro­ back in the lapel of her uniform. I could have think he has such big ears, do you?" societies have found out, it really pays. It gives fessional action in their own communities." sworn she muttered, "Psychology be damned!" I was beginning to breathe easier. Mary was the profession stature and dignity in the eyes of Certainly one of the inevitable steps in that I like to think that it was the kindly profes­ the last of the Wilsons and the boys were prob­ the public and, for the members, it means better direction is. the selection of a good executive sional manner I had acquired through my nights ably p laying quietly in the reception room. I meetings, better periodicals, and many other ad- secretary. of studying child psychology which prompted said as much to Nurse Jones-a trifle condescend­ Freddie to settle back and let me examine his ingly. teeth, but I have my doubts. "Yeah," was her retort. "I've got news for you, The little fellow had no cavities. In fact, all Doctor. They're in the lab." the Wilsons had excellent teeth. By rapid cal­ culation I figured I'd collect about ten· dollars per My Lab Is Captured I'll Tell - After He Works On Me! year for the next ten years from them. Then, as Just then I heard the blow torch as it exploded adults, they probably wouldn't need restorations until they were sixty-at that point, seeing my­ Ceiling ... soiled! Walls ... badly cracked! Do you see those flies, grouped in one spot? self as a doddering old man, I used the explorer Pictures ... uneven! Ash trays ... so packed! What sport I could have if I had a fly-swat! again. But the little beggar's molars were as This dental waiting room is a sight to see I wonder, did they fly up those many stairs sound as a dollar. The dentist just introduced himself to me! To await their chance at the dental chairs? The boys disappeared as Mary climbed into the chair, and I sighed with relief. They probably I need an ashtray but each is full of stubs were g~ing to settle down to reading. I dislike being critical but while I wait Mary insisted on sitting on the arm of the I'll amuse myself, find faults and orate! Emptying is needed, plus a few hearty rubs! chair. I saw Nurse Jones fingering the lapel of Would you linger awhile, and chat with me And take that mirror I see in the long hall her uniform again and I hastily urged the plump About some objects I wish I couldn't see? Doesn't it look lovely on that cracked wall? little girl into the chair. Mary pouted; "Louise-that's my girl-friend, There's a low end table, underneath it too said Dr. Turner has a pony in his office. One that This divan is soft, but the colors are gone It really took skill to carve and be true! used to be on a merry-go-round, and she gets to It certainly has that look of "many-sat-on!" But what do I see just below by the floor? sit side saddle. I don't like this dumb old chair." The chairs have that same look, oh, my dear "What does the book suggest for this crisis, It is only a blood spot left by a visitor! I wonder when a cleaning was last done here? Doctor?" Nurse Jones asked sweetly. But I was not Dr. Preddy, student of psy­ Oh, my poor stomach! My toothache, too! chology, for nothing. "In this office, my little pa­ Let's glance at the ceiling, no, it's soiled I wonder what the dentist is going to do! tients are the ponies," I suggested, keeping a Even the beauty of those flowers is spoiled! About my tooth and these many faults I see wary eye on the little Palimino as she tossed her Too bad that trio of pictures on yonder wall I'll tell all . . . but ... after he works on me! blonde mane, "and they get a treat when their work is done." "We think he's going to be a dentist." Are hanging crooked, I hope they won't fall! Mae Benner

Page Four Page Thirteen May, 1948 TIC TIC May, 1948

into action. I realized the worst before I reached dren want to be treated like human beings and Advantages of an Executive Secretary the door. Three hundred dollars worth of crown not coddled. I'll never forget the first time I and bridge work was rapidly being melted down went to a dentist. He was a friendly man with By ARTHUR H. LEVINE, D.D.S. in the crucible while two small boys watched twinkling eyes and he always treated me with with intense interest the globule of brilliantly such professional courtesy I was impressed. He When the president of a state dental society legislation now being enacted, the widespread changing color. Then they looked up and meas­ always told me if it would hurt, so I knew when which had just acquired an executive secretary publicity attending the announcement of tech­ ured me with bold, mischievous eyes. he said it wouldn't hurt that he was giving it to was asked how he liked having a full-time man nical advances-all require dental societies to be I was licked and I guess I showed it. Nurse me straight. I appreciated that. And he wouldn't he replied: "It reminds me of the time I em-. established in business-like fashion. Jones pushed past me and shut off the gas. This put up with any shenanigans." ployed my first dental assistant in the early days time I did not imagine what she said, nor did "Then you'd advise me to stop treating chil­ she intend that I should. "Now you boys get the dren as Future Patients and operate in the pres-' of my practice. I thought I was getting along How to Go About It fairly well, handling everything myself, from hell out of here-and stay out!" she hissed ent," I mused. sterilizing instruments to making appointments. The key to it all is the executive secretary, smartly. They went. A Second Assault - and Victory Then along came this girl who took a dozen permanently employed, on a full-time basis, in As their last wild yells died in my ears, I sank chores off my hands; for the first time we had a centrally established headquarters. down on the lab stool to collect my thoughts­ Before she could answer, the door chimes efficiency in the office. Well, it's the same thing Needless to say, this ideal state cannot be if any. I wondered how much a junk dealer sounded again. "The Rampaging Ralstons!" I when you get your first taste of an executive achieved over night. The transition from a vol­ would give me for the Ducky Darling, beaten-up groaned, biting my nails. secretary. I feel free again to devote more time unteer structure to the one just described must, furniture and other choice items calculated to Miss Jones gave me a withering look. "Are to my practice. And the society's affairs are be­ of necessity, be gradual. The first step is usually attract children. you a dentist or a dope?" she hissed. ing conducted more efficiently than ever before." the renting of a small office or even a tiny room, I realized it was now or never. I, Dr. Preddy, That is the way most of the officers feel who centrally located, that can properly be desig­ We Estimate the Damage for some strange reason I had never learned in belong to societies fortunate enough to be able nated as the society's office. All records, books, ac­ "I'm making out a bill for the Wilsons," Nurse school, was on trial. I strode to the door of the to employ full-time personnel. It is unfair to counts, correspondence, and so many other items Jones said appearing in the doorway. "How reception room. One Ralston was jumping up expect a man to be both a practitioner and of­ that are part of routine business activity can be about that gold work the boys destroyed-shall and down on one of the new tables. The other ficer when the demands on his time make it a safely kept in good order. At this point no out­ I add that to it?" one ran at me with a flying tackle in mind. I physical impossibility. Usually, a man is de­ side help has been employed. I opened my mouth and closed it again feebly. quickly sidestepped, and he lit on his face. pendent on his practice for a livelihood. That The second step is the hiring of clerical help, "And the fountain pen Mary played mumbly My voice cracked like a whip. "Get off that either full- or part-time, to handle simple office means that any energy not already dissipated In peg with," she went on relentlessly. "It was the table! Sit down like a gentleman." And to the the arduous task of conducting a dental practice routine. It is usually a young girl who answers one that wrote under saliva. And the air and one on the floor, who was eyeing me with malice is expended for society work, after hours. This the telephone, handles the correspondence, and water syringes the tiny tot carried off." and chagrin: "Get into the chair, and let Nurse entails a sacrifice of other things, such as being does other jobs as directed by one of the officers. "I don't believe I'm going to make any more Jones prepare you for examination. I haven't away from one's family, losing out on sleep, rest, The third step is the advent of the executive appointments for Future Patients," I sighed. "I any time to waste." relaxation, social contacts Of amusements. It secretary. Depending, of course, on the size of won't live long enough to enjoy their patronage They looked at me for a long moment. I out­ means part-time efficiency for the society and a the society and the amount of business trans­ anyway." I was very gloomy about the whole stared them. "Yes, sir," they chimed obediently. tired dentist the following morning. In the case acted, the number of employees may vary. At business. I felt a strange singing in my veins-a new of a dentist acting as a secretary, the volume of the time this was written, Michigan had two, and "Nonsense," Miss Jones said briskly," Will you power. As I approached the chair, my eyes were correspondence alone is enough to utilize all his Minnesota had two. These, of course, are state let me tell you what's wrong? You're afraid of twinkling. I smiled at Nurse Jones. For the first spare time. Some try to sandwich it in between societies. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin had three. those kids. Any kids. Now I'll tell you what to time in a year her grin was one of friendliness patients in their own office and, as a result, Massachusetts and Southern California had four. do." instead of mockery. She stepped behind the throw an extra burden on the dental assistant. I could feel my self-confidence coming back chair and raised clenched hands in a salute. Lack of centralization is another unfortunate Administrative Set-ups and cracking each vertebrae as it stiffened my The End. corollary of the dentist-officer arrangement. It is Not all state (cbnstituent) societies have an spine. Dimly I remembered Nurse Jones telling so much more satisfactory to have a central of­ executive secretary. On the other hand, some dis­ me once she was the eldest of ten children. I fice where all bookkeeping and accounting can trict (component) societies have. The deciding looked at her almost in awe. The Dentist to His Love be properly maintained, where all inquiries can factor is the financial consideration which, in "First you must stop being a spineless idiot. be directed without fear of encroaching upon the turn, is closely associated with the size of mem­ Pardon me, 1-" I motioned her to go on. "Well Your molars are attractive doctor's valuable office time. Also, from a public hership and the dues paid. Of the 50 state socie­ -don't make appointments for all three of the Your dentition's so complete, relations point of view, a. permanently estab­ ties or associations in the continental United Wilsons at one time." My parotid's overactive lished headquarters with full-time employees is States (48 states plus the District of Columbia "But Mrs. Wilson says it takes up too much of When you're in my dental seat. most desirable. and Southern California) not all are in a posi­ her time to come on separate days," I explained Your occlusion's very charming The public today looks upon the dental pro­ tion to afford the services of an executive secre­ definitely. "Nonsense! She can catch up on her Clark Your enamel has no pit, fession as a well-established, well-organized tary. A wide variety of ability to pay exists in Yes, I find you so disarming group. This means it must be governed by sound Gable studies some other time. Besides, it's your the range between New York, for example, with Cause you're such a toothsome bit! administrative principles. The intense interest 8,806 paid members (1946) and Nevada with time you must consider. And furthermore, I in dental health ever since the war, the type of 62. don't care what the psychology book says, chil- Edna Miller, D.M.D.

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The Big Tooth Hunt Doctor, You Need a Vacation! "I'll make my own set of false teeth," declared the doughty sourdough. Once again necessity be­ By MAC McCALL came the mother of invention. Upon the heels of this decision, Nimrod and Nicodemus set out for the heart of the spruce woods where golden So-you're developing an ulcer. Or you can't spruce gum dripped from the bark of the mighty sleep nights. Or you dread the daily procession trees. Getting a goodly hunk of this shining gum, of patients. Or you're fed up with your practice. Nimrod fashioned a mold to fit his mouth. Then What you need, Doctor, is a vacation-and a Nicodemus and he fared forth again, trailing . good one! The right kind of vacation can put black bear, gray wolf and white mountain sheep. you in shape to retackle your practice with a new After bagging these three animals, he proceeded zest-a type of enthusiasm you haven't felt for to extract a ll their teeth. During this phase of months, or perhaps years. the chase, Nicodemus, mindful of his own shin­ But when you take that vacation, take it the ing teeth, wisely kept in the background. From right way. Many dentists who manage a holiday this collection, Nimrod chose those teeth that take it the wrong way, or otherwise waste it. would make suitable incisors and molars for his Consequently, they return to their offices without own jaws. the new energy every well-planned vacation Returning to his cabin, his small native grind­ should provide. Here are suggestions which, if stone soon began to whirl as Nimrod, with his covered wagon within his mouth. followed, will give you the kind of vacation you foot upon the pedal, ground the teeth of these want-a healthful, happy and memorable one. three animals to the proper length and shape One moonlight night Nimrod woke up to the rattle of pots and pans and throaty growls 1. Plan your vacation well in advance. Don't for his own use. From mining days, he still from Nicodemus. Presently he saw a packrat let it go until the last minute and then gamble on 3. Don't take your chair along with you! Don't possessed slugs of silver, leftovers from mortar carrying off his false teeth. Bouncing out of his some unknown locale and strange cottage, camp, worry about it-it'll get along well enough with­ and crucible. This silver he spun in one way or or establishment. The chances are you will lose out you. And your substitute or associate in all another until it became a slender wire. On this bunk with the agility of a cougar, he rescued his on such a gamble-lose in money, fun and health. probability will manage things so that the office wire he strung his teeth from the mouths of black precious teeth as the packrat leaped for the There's a lot of fun in planning a vacation. Start will be running reasonably well when you return. bear, gray wolf and white mountain sheep, un­ rafters. Thereafter, when Nimrod slept his teeth your planning weeks- months-in advance. If you close your office while you're vacation­ til they looked like a barbaric necklace destined waited beneath his pillow with his revolver. 2: Fix your vacation budget." Determine how ing, keep it closed in your mind too. You're en­ for any of the Indians who fished in the same Today he is still hunting black bear and grizzly, timber wolf and mountain sheep, with much you want to spend. Then consider all possi­ titled to a vacation. Your patients appreciate streams and hunted through the same woods another Nicodemus trailing at his heels. When ble plans within the area of your budget. that fact. as he. Remember, vacations are not necessarily 4. Choose a vacation spot in terms of your This done, he invaded his own wardrobe, col­ he returns to his cabin fire on the banks of the own (and your family's) interests. Some people Yukon, he enjoys red meat with the teeth of the costly. There are many desirable places avail­ lecting all th~ old scraps of rubber-packs he able to the professional man with limited vaca­ want to find complete relaxation in inertia. could find. In cast-iron pots, Nimrod's rubber ancestors of his victims. With these same wilder­ tion money. You are more likely to choose the Others want to play every minute. Select your bubbled and boiled, an aromatic sacrifice on the ness teeth, Nimrod Nolan defies all tough, stringy right kind of vacation for you at the right cost spot in terms of what you are looking for, whether altar of dental science. When sufficiently plastic, fibers of vension and bear meat. "My teeth serve if you give yourself time to do so and know ex­ it be inactivity, activity, or a combination of he shaped this gray-black material around his me well not only for talkin' and laffin' but eatin' actly what you want to pay. You may thus avoid both. spruce gum molds. The teeth were vulcanized, and drink in'," he tells his Arctic cronies on the disappointment and having to reconsider the But don't play so hard that you return an ach­ as it were, and the silver wire served as an trail. whole matter because of full bookings, increased ing wreck. Remember you aren't used to playing anchor and gave the world the impression that Years after this adventure . in dentistry, the rates, or other factors. all day, and may not be accustomed to strenuous Nimrod possessed certain fillings of amalgam. government representative finally arrived one Thus the artificial quality of his teeth was cam­ evening at dusk at the cabin door of Nimrod Nolan. There he found a one-eyed, grizzled, old ouflaged. He even considered attaching his plates to a sourdough chewing venison by the light of a spring. Then he remembered the Yangtze sea tallow dip. "I'm scouting around these parts for captain who carried his false teeth in his hip a famous old hunter who needs a set of false pocket. One stormy day the captain slipped on teeth," said he. his shining decks and his teeth snapped a chunk "You're in the wrong pew, Doctor, as well as out of his hip, a chunk that could not be imme­ in the wrong church," grinned Nimrod with a diately replaced. daring twinkle in his one black eye. "There's no one 'round these diggin's who needs any false liMy Teeth Serve Me Well" teeth." With this the dentist strolled back to his "boat Years have come and gone since Nimrod . ' created his own false teeth. Gradually he got NIcodemus returned to his bone, and Nimrod to used to them, though at first they felt like a his red meat.

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of his physical endurance to meet his office and the fee will be and if the fee is sufficiently high home expenses. You serve your patients for so that you can conscientiously take the neces­ their health. How about your own? There are sary time and expense to produce the best work dentists who won't take a vacation because they you are capable of doing. Many patients do not can't afford it. Make no mistake, the vacation object to higher fees. It is the results they are you take and the benefits you obtain from it are after. A denture that is paid for always fits bet­ directly tied to the success you have with your ter and is more appreciated. work. All year through you can work in peace of (Text and illustrations are reprinted through the courtesy of Oenlol Survey; read before the Cincinnati Dental Society, mind if you know that the patient realizes what October 7, 1946.)

The Doughty Sourdough exercise. Enjoy your vacation, but enjoy it spend it away from home; keep away from your wisely. practice both physically and mentally; and vaca­ By HARRIET GEITHMANN 5. Don't stay at home! If you are able to take tion with moderation. That's the way to assure only a short vacation, take it! Don't be content yourself of a happy and healthful holiday which On the banks of the Yukon that flows 2,000 troubles to the moon. to spend it at home. It is much better to get you can afford and which you owe to yourself miles .to the sea, just northeast of Tanana, lives As the years slid by, Nimrod extracted his away, if only for a day or two. Even a change of and to your patients. Nimrod Nolan, a happy combination of hunter, teeth one by one. Finally he was toothless. On a short duration will benefit you immeasurably. Doctor, you need a vacation! trapper and prospector. One of the most fear­ he-man diet of red meat, that would not do at all. So-go away, see new faces, do new things. less of hunters is he, despite his 70-odd years. For breakfast of oatmeal mush and canned 6. Don't be an Indispensable Man! If there's Long has this old sourdough of the 33rd degree soup when the quicksilver in the thermometer a chance of your D. A. or substitute telephoning been called Nimrod, so long in fact that those hovered around 50 degrees below, his toothless you and plaguing you with office problems, don't The Gay Nineties who know him best within the Arctic Circle, condition did not bother him too much; but at leave telephone numbers or mailing addresses where he has wintered and summered for half noon and at night, when red meat constituted behind. A vacation means exactly that. Don't a lifetime, have forgotten his family name. 'Tis the main dish on his Yukon menu, the situation try to practice by telephone. Refuse to be inter­ Read These Facts... even doubtful if he remembers it himself. Nim­ was reversed. He needed a full set of false teeth. rupted. Your vacation must be important to you. Should you be in need of dental services. we will offer rod is he, son of Cush, grandson of Ham, accord­ "My kingdom for a journeyman dentist," sighed Take it seriously by having all the uninterrupted you a few reasons why it would pay you to patronize us. Ist.-We employ a corps of expert opt:rators. each ing to Genesis. Nimrod. fun you can. working at the branch he bt!st understands. With his grizzled malamute, Nicodemus, at Uncle Sam's floating hospital all too often 7. Vacation with moderation! This suggestion 2d. -We use every approved appliance to save both pain and time. his heels, his rifle over his shoulder and his pipe turned up the Tanana River to Nenana, thus covers everything from alcohol to sunburn. Don't 3d.-We have a large practice. conducted on sound business principles, at a small profit. in his mouth, Nimrod Nolan trails the Alaskan leaving Nimrod a.nd his kind on the upper Yukon over-do anything-sun-tanning, swimming, drink­ 4th. We permit no patient to leave our office unless wilds in search of black bear and grizzly, timber high and dry. It was quite probable, to be sure, ing, eating, exercising, dancing, tennis, golf, or thoroughly satisfied with our work. wolf and mountain sheep. Past master of forest that the government dentist would reach Nim­ whatever. There'll be other vacations in the fu­ OUR PRICES lore is he. The howl of the wolf, the growl of the rod's cabin in five years, but who wanted to wait ture; don't try to crowd them into this one. FOR GUARANTEED WORK. grizzly, and the scream of the cougar are music five years for a set of false teeth when red meat In summary, Doctor, plan your vacation in ad­ to his ears. was the piece de resistance? Not Nimrod Nolan. vance; decide how much you want to spend; BEST SET OF TEETH (Rubber Rue'. . $8.00 Nimrod invaded Alaska with the Klondike A GOOD SET OF TEETH. • . . . . . 5.00 goldseekers of 1897. Unlike most of them who GOLD CROWNS (22 K. fine) . . . . . 5.00 • BRIDGE WORK (per Tootb)...... 5.00 returned to the States because golden nuggets " SILVER FILLINGS • • ...... 75 were all too scarce, he stayed on, prospecting now CLEANING TEETH...... 75 and then when the fever gripped him hardest, EXTRACTING (wltbout pain)...... 50 but always hunting. When a granite boulder EXTRACTING • • • • ...... 25 bounced on his foot at the end of an avalanche GOLD FILLINGS according to size. ride, Nimrod returned to his cabin with a toe We make no charge for painless extracting. wnen that refused to heal. When gangrene set in, with hIIIIt Set of Teeth 'He ordered. no doctors within hundreds of miles, Nimrod took OUR Motto: out his jackknife, scalded it well, and whittled /fONEST WORK. off the offending toe-saving the day and the leg. HONEST PRiCes. When a sliver of spruce entered his left eye, he took the boat for Seattle, where the hospital U. S. DENTAL ROOMS, surgeon removed the eye for him. The next day 76 EUCLID AVENUE. CLEVELAND, o. he sailed back to his cabin on the Yukon where Open EVlOninll's. OPERA HOUSE BLOCK. Nicodemus was rivaling the wolves, howling his Lady Attendant. OPP. ARCADE.

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tissues and gums have been pounded to pieces THE FEE The Causes of Failure by years of wearing old and ill-fitting dentures. The De ntist In Making and Wearing Dentures The dentist's contribution to the failure of dentures can be placed in many categories, but 8y MORRIS GRUENEBAUM, D.D.S. mainly they come under the heading of lack of skill, lack of knowledge, lack of time, lack of patience and lack of courage to charge a justi­ The three essential causes for failures of den­ THE PATIE NT fiable fee. tures are the laboratory, the patient, and, most Taking these in order, the first, lack of skill, of all, the dentist. can be traced to insufficient imagination to en­ The La boratory able the dentist to visualize what is required for the individual case. Directly connected with this Delay on the part of the laboratory may allow is the inability to produce what he is undertak­ the material to shrink from the time the impres­ ing. Recognize your limitations and don't start sion is taken until the models are poured. Then a case when you are incapable of getting results. there is the possibility of improper handling and The proof of good results means that you are not mixing of the materials used. Poor processing afraid to show your denture work to your fellow and breakage with unmentioned mending may practitioners at any t ime. also occur. Although most of these imperfections Many patients do not object to higher fees. The present requirements of the dental col­ may escape the dentist's knowledge, they affect lege that the students make three or four sets the satisfaction obtainable in the finished den­ tist simply doesn't take time enough to examine of teeth will not cover the problems presented ture. the patient's mouth properly, to take the radio­ to the practicing dentist. There is not only a L aboratory representatives may feel this to graphs to discover overlooked root fragments and need, but an actual demand, that he further his be an unjust criticism, for actually l abo r atori~s impacted teeth, and to do necessary surgery to knowledge by means of a hospital internship, a do very well now-a-days, considering the lack of prepare the mouth for dentures. He doesn't take postgraduate course, or membership in a study information they receive from the dentist on in­ the time to decide what method to use in the club. Medical degrees require internship, and the dividual cases, the lack of time allowed them to individual case. Not enough time is given to the physician who would specialize must pass tests .do the work, and the necessity of imagining what proper selection of shades and molds, to the by special boards of the branch of medicine he the patient looks like. This is especially tree of He likes to tell the dentist how to construct the d enture. grinding of teeth when necessary, and to not has chosen. The same should hold good in den­ immediate dentures where the laboratory and crowding too many teeth into a set being made tistry. Ask yourself: "Am I doing the best I know t he exodontist have to guess what the dentist in­ The Patie nt for an elderly patient. how or should know how?" It is impossible to spend too much time on tends to have them do to get results. Now let us take up the patient's contributions Far too many failures occur because the den- to denture failures. First of all there is the pa­ checking and rechecking bite and appearance. THE LABORATORY Avoid using rash judgment. Give plenty of time tient who refuses to co-operate. He likes to tell THE DE NTIST the dentist how to construct the denture. He has and attention to ridge formations, reliefs, post­ had so many dentures made and gathered so damming and muscle trimm ing. After a good den­ much information on material, rebases, trade ture is finished, it can be ruined by insufficient names, and so forth, he could make one blind­ time spent in the process of taking off and trim­ folded. The finished denture never satisfies him. ming the denture in an attempt to relieve the Then there is the patient of the neurotic type patient. Be patient and explain fully in each case who is convinced before you start that no one what must be expected of the new dentures, the will ever make a satisfactory denture for him. troubles that may be encountered in regard to His is a hopeless case, for he too shows you a shrinkage in immediate dentures, necessary cigar box full of plates he just can't wear. changes, and the results obtained by cooperation. There is the patient who disregards his own The Fee taste and feelings and must have the approval Finally, the fees you charge can directly af­ of his friends and relatives on the appearance of fect the success or failure of the dentures you the finished product. There is the impatient pa­ construct. It is always best to charge more and tient who can't even attempt to get used to the know that the fee allows you to make full use of new and sometimes larger denture. your time and knowledge in order to avoid a The list could go on indefinitely and include denture failure. the ones suffering from physical ailments, the Too low fees are usually set by the over­ ones who are truly allergic to the materials used Avoid using rash judgment. worked dentist who pushes himself to the limit Lack of time; lack of information from the dentist. in the dentures and the pathetic cases in which

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